Lego Bridge Activity

8/10/2019 Lego Bridge Activity

1/12


2/12

I did use Legos; however, I had toborrow them from another teacher and I

only had three different sizes to choosefrom. I have adjusted the cost to thefollowing:

Large Yellow 13 x 4 - $3,000

Medium Red 4 x 2 - $500

Large White 6 x 4 - $750


3/12

To create my first bridgeI really just startedexploring the few piecesI had. I had a visual in

my mind of a bridge Isee on the lake I visitevery summer.

My goal on this bridgewas to create a structurethat would support aheavy textbook whilemeeting the length andheight requirements.


4/12

The length of my first bridgewas slightly over 10 inches.

The height of my bridgewas a little over 6 inches.

Time used: 25 minutes


5/12

Cost analysis 8 Large Yellow - 8 x $3,000 = $24,000

63 Medium Red 63 x $500 = $31,500

3 Large White 3 x $750 = $2,250

GRAND TOTAL = $57,750

Needless to say, my bridge is reallyexpensive! Im tried my best with thecost adjustments, but it still is wickedcostly.


6/12

While doing research, I realized I hadcreated a beam bridge. This bridge alsocan be called a girder bridge. A beambridge one of the most simple and

inexpensive bridges to make. (Imassuming also common since it was theimage that first came to mind.)

While the arch bridge, suspension bridge,and cable-stayed bridge looked like a goodmodel, for my allotted time this was thesimplest to construct.


7/12

I chose to stick with the beam bridge design.Beam bridges are simple because thehorizontal piece across the top pushes all ofthe weight onto the piers.

I did use the help of Lego Digital Designer toallow me to use the least expensive pieces thatI did not have in person.

I found the measurements of a single Lego anddiscovered in order to meet the height andlength requirements I needed to have 16 Legostall, and a space of 16 Legos distance.


8/12

Since I did not have these Legos I took a screenshot of my design.

Time Used: 40 minutes


9/12

Cost analysis

Single White- 80 x $150 = $12,000

Single Red- 3 x $250 - $750 Single Blue- 6 x $350 = $2,100

Single Green 4 x $550 = $2,200

GRAND TOTAL = $17,050

Using the smaller Legos definitely helpedreduce the cost for this project significantly.


10/12

It was the most cost efficient during Phase2 due to the help of the Lego DigitalDesigner. I saved a total of $40,700!

My resources used were:

Legos

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/tech/build-

bridge-p3.html (This site helped confirm mydesign was the simplest for me to build)

Lego Digital Designer (by far the most helpful)
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/tech/build-bridge-p3.htmlhttp://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/tech/build-bridge-p3.htmlhttp://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/tech/build-bridge-p3.htmlhttp://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/tech/build-bridge-p3.htmlhttp://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/tech/build-bridge-p3.htmlhttp://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/tech/build-bridge-p3.htmlhttp://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/tech/build-bridge-p3.html


11/12

Having the actual Legos to use and dosome trail and errors was beneficial.

However, I thought the Lego DigitalDesigner was a time saver and morecost efficient. So, I would say for todayslearners, as long as they have played

with Legos before Phase 2 would be bestfor them.


12/12

For the project you must have time management!If you cannot keep to a time limit, you will not getthe assignment complete.

Another skill needed would be problem solving. Ifyour bridge is too weak, you need to be able tofigure out the root of the problem and address theissue.

These skills are very relevant in the workforcetoday. Without time management and the ability

to problem solve, the chance of you having orkeep a job are slim.

Using the Lego Digital Designer is a perfectexample of a 21stCentury tool to help withproblem-solving skills.

Documents

Lego Bridge Activity